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What Most People Don’t Realize When They Owe the IRS
Toni Taylor Gozza · NMLS #274323 
What are my options if I owe the IRS money?
You have more than two choices. Beyond paying in full or facing collections, the IRS offers existing payment and resolution programs based on income, assets, and hardship. Tax resolution is the process of using those programs to negotiate payment arrangements, address penalties and interest, and resolve balances before collections escalate. Early conversations matter, especially for homeowners and self-employed borrowers, because IRS debt can affect buying or refinancing a home.
If you owe the IRS money, the stress can build fast. Most people assume they only have two choices: pay everything immediately or deal with aggressive collections.
The reality is, many people don’t actually understand how IRS debt works — or that there may be legitimate options to reduce or manage it.
That’s why I recently sat down with tax resolution expert Alexander Goussis to talk through this topic in plain English.
Why IRS Debt Feels So Stressful
The IRS isn’t like a credit card company.
They have the authority to:
- Garnish wages
- Levy bank accounts
- Place liens on property
According to the IRS, tools like federal tax liens and levies are used when balances go unpaid and unresolved. (You can read more directly from the IRS here: <https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/understanding-a-federal-tax-lien>)
This level of authority is why IRS debt creates so much anxiety — even for people who want to pay but simply don’t have the cash to do so.
What Is Tax Resolution?
Tax resolution is the process of working with the IRS using existing IRS programs to reduce, restructure, or manage tax debt.
Depending on someone’s financial situation, this may include:
- Negotiating payment arrangements
- Addressing penalties and interest
- Resolving balances before collections escalate
The IRS itself outlines multiple payment and resolution options depending on income, assets, and hardship: <https://www.irs.gov/payments>
Most people don’t realize these programs exist — or that eligibility is based on financial reality, not intent.
Why This Matters for Homeowners and Self-Employed Borrowers
For homeowners and self-employed individuals, IRS debt can affect more than just cash flow.
It can impact:
- Financial planning decisions
- Buying or refinancing a home
- Long-term stability
The IRS has a dedicated resource center outlining self-employed tax responsibilities, which often become more complex as income fluctuates: <https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center>
This is why early conversations matter — not to panic, but to understand options before the IRS forces decisions.
Watch the Full Conversation
In this short video, Alexander and I talk through:
- How IRS collections typically begin
- Why the IRS operates the way it does
- What tax resolution actually means
- Who should consider having a conversation
Watch the full video here:
How to Get Help With IRS Tax Debt
If you’re dealing with IRS debt — or concerned about an upcoming tax liability — having a conversation can help bring clarity.
Alexander Goussis Tax Resolution Specialist Freedom Tax Relief Services
Website: <https://freedomtaxreliefservices.com> Phone: 516-708-6645 Email: alex@iraawaytoday.com
Final Thought
At Interconnect Mortgage, our goal is education and clarity — especially when financial issues overlap.
Sometimes the smartest move isn’t rushing to fix everything at once, but understanding how different pieces connect so you can make informed decisions.
If you want clarity on how IRS debt may affect homeownership or future planning, the first step is a conversation — not pressure.
👉 Schedule a conversation here: /book
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and not a commitment to lend. Interconnect Mortgage — NMLS #1720882. Licensed in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Check licensing at NMLS Consumer Access.
Frequently asked questions
What can the IRS do if I don't pay my tax debt? +
Unlike a credit card company, the IRS has the authority to garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and place liens on property. Federal tax liens and levies are tools the IRS uses when balances go unpaid and unresolved, which is why early action matters.
What is tax resolution? +
Tax resolution is the process of working with the IRS using existing IRS programs to reduce, restructure, or manage tax debt. Depending on your finances, that may include negotiating payment arrangements, addressing penalties and interest, and resolving balances before collections escalate.
Can I get IRS debt relief if I can't pay in full? +
Possibly. The IRS outlines multiple payment and resolution options depending on income, assets, and hardship. Eligibility is based on financial reality, not intent, and most people do not realize these programs exist.
Does IRS debt affect buying or refinancing a home? +
It can. For homeowners and self-employed individuals, IRS debt can impact financial planning decisions, buying or refinancing a home, and long-term stability. That is why having an early conversation about your options matters before the IRS forces decisions.
Who can help me with IRS tax debt? +
Tax resolution specialist Alexander Goussis of Freedom Tax Relief Services (516-708-6645, freedomtaxreliefservices.com) helps people work through IRS debt. For clarity on how IRS debt may affect homeownership or future planning, Interconnect Mortgage offers a no-pressure conversation as the first step.
About the author
Toni Taylor Gozza — Founder & Mortgage Expert
NMLS #274323
Toni Taylor Gozza has worked in mortgage lending since 1990 — from consumer finance and banks to wholesale lending, where she was one of the few account executives in the country with actual signing underwriting authority and went on to run an entire wholesale mortgage company. A Palm Beach County local since 1992, she explains mortgages in plain English so you can make the best decision for yourself — serving buyers, self-employed borrowers, and investors across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
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